ddrew16's review against another edition
5.0
Tried not to cry this time like I did with movie- still cried
ekatemari's review against another edition
3.0
I picked up Red Dog after reading the opening few pages of Louis de Bernières’ primo novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, which a friend had brought into work. Feeling I’d earned some merit in resisting the urge to buy another book, I instead picked up a de Bernières book already in my possession – Red Dog. (Admittedly I do have two copies of Red Dog since a) my willpower is at best flimsy and b) I’m a fool for a pretty cover.) It soon became apparent that the two novels are very, very different.
Red Dog is contained by virtue of being based on a true story, which limits de Bernières’ poetic license. The book follows the adventures of Western Australia’s dog of legend: Tally Ho, the Pilbara Wanderer – ‘Red Dog’.
A pioneering and undomesticated (indeed, undomesticatable) red cloud kelpie, Red Dog spends his years travelling around Western Australia, befriending countless humans (and one particularly stoic cat) and generally acting his own master. Buses reserve a special seat for him; people regularly stop to give him a lift in their cars, or let him stay however long he pleases in their homes. There are, of course, those who aren’t quite so keen on Red Dog – but his friends far outnumber his foes.
These are simple but often heartwarming tales about a dog that befriended and united a far-flung community of working people. It’s notable that most of Red Dog’s friends are part of Pilbara’s mining community, sharing a deep camaraderie and not much wealth. And you can see why people loved him. Red Dog represented the defiant, independent, self-sufficient and regularly obstinate enterprising mortal spirit that cannot be tied down, even if one works nine-to-five at a mediocre, laborious job, even if one is a homeless city-dwelling mongrel. For the folk that met him, the Pilbara Wanderer was freedom and independence made manifest.
The writing is clean and enjoyable, the chapters short, the characters easy. The whole book is slim enough to enjoy in one seating. The edition I read (Secker & Warburg 2001, ISBN 10: 0436256177) also contains beautiful print illustrations by Alan Baker and wonderfully neat typography, both of which added a distinct pleasure to it.
This is more a book for dog lovers than those with lofty literary aspirations. It’s a pleasant read for an easy, feel-good evening, but not one you’re likely to revisit. Get a copy with gorgeous illustrations and devour in one sitting.
For more reviews, visit The Little Crocodile book reviews
Red Dog is contained by virtue of being based on a true story, which limits de Bernières’ poetic license. The book follows the adventures of Western Australia’s dog of legend: Tally Ho, the Pilbara Wanderer – ‘Red Dog’.
A pioneering and undomesticated (indeed, undomesticatable) red cloud kelpie, Red Dog spends his years travelling around Western Australia, befriending countless humans (and one particularly stoic cat) and generally acting his own master. Buses reserve a special seat for him; people regularly stop to give him a lift in their cars, or let him stay however long he pleases in their homes. There are, of course, those who aren’t quite so keen on Red Dog – but his friends far outnumber his foes.
These are simple but often heartwarming tales about a dog that befriended and united a far-flung community of working people. It’s notable that most of Red Dog’s friends are part of Pilbara’s mining community, sharing a deep camaraderie and not much wealth. And you can see why people loved him. Red Dog represented the defiant, independent, self-sufficient and regularly obstinate enterprising mortal spirit that cannot be tied down, even if one works nine-to-five at a mediocre, laborious job, even if one is a homeless city-dwelling mongrel. For the folk that met him, the Pilbara Wanderer was freedom and independence made manifest.
The writing is clean and enjoyable, the chapters short, the characters easy. The whole book is slim enough to enjoy in one seating. The edition I read (Secker & Warburg 2001, ISBN 10: 0436256177) also contains beautiful print illustrations by Alan Baker and wonderfully neat typography, both of which added a distinct pleasure to it.
This is more a book for dog lovers than those with lofty literary aspirations. It’s a pleasant read for an easy, feel-good evening, but not one you’re likely to revisit. Get a copy with gorgeous illustrations and devour in one sitting.
For more reviews, visit The Little Crocodile book reviews
alicedr's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
comparitively writing was lacking, still beautiful though
anonblueberry's review against another edition
3.0
I've just read this in an hour. It's short, but oh does it pack a punch. DO NOT read this book if you have issues with animal cruelty, I'm still wiping the tears away.
The semi-fictionalised story of the Red Dog, who lived in Western Australia, had many owners, and generally caused havoc, as told with typical de Bernieres style.
The semi-fictionalised story of the Red Dog, who lived in Western Australia, had many owners, and generally caused havoc, as told with typical de Bernieres style.
reanimatedreader's review against another edition
4.0
Listened to the audiobook courtesy of my local library.
Based on true stories of a travelling dog around Australia. Read in an Australian accent (not sure if the actor is Australian or not to be honest) and so I really enjoyed the immersion into the outback after my time away. This dog is the best. He chooses his own companion, when he passes away he goes looking for him but never settles, is always travelling around and makes a ton of friends along the way. I must admit the ending had me in tears.
Based on true stories of a travelling dog around Australia. Read in an Australian accent (not sure if the actor is Australian or not to be honest) and so I really enjoyed the immersion into the outback after my time away. This dog is the best. He chooses his own companion, when he passes away he goes looking for him but never settles, is always travelling around and makes a ton of friends along the way. I must admit the ending had me in tears.
swagkermit's review against another edition
3.0
Watched the film first (as I'm sure everyone did) and I must say, they did a great job of adapting the novel. I've been trying to get over my hatred of audiobooks and this one was fairly short so I had a pretty good time.
ellakholden's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A very sweet short story
mintchockchip's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
4.0